Here's a brief update and some pictures-
We signed a new 2 year contract!
As we sought God's direction for this decision, it became clear that God would have us stay. While we would love to be closer to our State-side family and friends, we know that this is where God would have us be. At times we dearly miss the chance to talk and share life with our family and friends back home, but we see how God has been using us here in the lives of not only the students I teach, but also fellow staff, and our neighbors. It's as if the work has just begun. I used to run cross country, and I always liked running looong distances. I felt that the first mile or so was just a warm up. It's similar to what we are doing here. It takes time to just get used to living overseas, let alone working effectively. We look forward to continuing working with all the people God has placed in our lives. We so miss "home" in America, but the fact is, that the America we left is forever gone, and we are okay with that. Our new home is becoming more comfortable with each passing month- and that is a good thing. The boys love it here, and while my work is very time consuming and difficult (at times), it has never been more rewarding. God has blessed us with a wonderful place of ministry and we are so grateful for the opportunity to continue to work and live here. We cannot do this alone, and we want to thank all of you have supported the work NICS is doing here. Together, with your prayers and financial support, we have been able to share the love of Christ to many people. Thank you!
We are coming to America this summer!
We are in the process of buying the tickets. We will be in the States from June 9th to August 3rd. We are so excited about having the chance to come and visit family and friends in person!! It's been two years, and while we are more "used" to living over here, we still miss America at times. (especially around this time of year- Thanksgiving and Christmas) We look forward to seeing many of you in about 7 months! The time goes by so quickly!
Changes are coming at BAIS- Three big changes-
- A new director: Pete is taking a job at the home office. He will be overseeing the directors in the field. He will be travelling to the 20 different schools each year and helping the directors as they lead the schools.
-A new high school principal- Next year, we will have a new principal for the high school. Dan, the current principal, is heading back to Alaska. God has clearly opened a new opportunity for his family there, so they will be leaving BAIS as well.
-BAIS will be debt free at the end of this month! This means that a new construction phase can start in the spring, Lord willing.
With all these changes, please pray for the leadership of BAIS and NICS as many decisions need to be made. Exciting times!
Family-
Everyone here is doing fine. We have been remarkably healthy, Jace has finally lost his two front teeth (just in time to sing that song for Christmas), and Kadin's turning into quite the young man. Things have been busy here- both Erin and I have lesson plans to do this year, and now that I am more comfortable in my job, I am able to try more things, which leads to more work! So I am usually up till 10:30-midnight grading or reading in preparation for the next day. We all love our various roles and spheres of ministry, and it is such a blessing to see how God is using each of our talents here in Indonesia.
Finally, below are a few pictures for your viewing pleasure. We will try to update more often. The busyness of life has too often caught us, yet we will try again! Thanks for your prayers and support. We look forward to your emails, Facebook posts, and phone calls! God bless! -mekj
email- mesquiers@gmail.com
phone- 1 505 906 6008
Sunset at the end of the road in our neighborhood! |
Construction near the end of the road- It's so much fun to play on! (The boys had just gone swimming and we decided to see how the latest construction was going.. we found a new playground! |
The new road being built ends with this view. This is probably two miles from our home, inside Kota Baru. |
A neighbor's birthday party! Most of the kids the boys play with were there! |
At what age does washing dishes become NOT fun?? |
Frog anyone? They say it tastes like chicken. I don't think so. But it was not bad! This picture grossed out a few friends! |
I built a bamboo bench with nothing but bamboo, some wood, and coconut rope! It's still standing! Yeah! |
Another waterfall above Bandung. |
On the way to the waterfall pictured above... |
The boys love playing right in front of the house! |
Lizards are always fun to play with! Kadin got his first lizard bite the other day! (not from this one-- this guy is small!) |
Top and bottom of the falls- This is in Bandung...
Kawah Putih- volcano 50km from home
This volcano was cool- the water in the crater was a blueish green! |
Isn't the water amazing! It was not hot, but swimming not recommended! |
Favorite jersey day during BAIS spirit week! |
We miss the firepit from our home in NM. The boys loved the bamboo fire! |
Oct. 31- I love to read character day! |